A few weeks ago I sat in my office, watching snow fall from my office window.  Those big, perfect fluffy snow flakes that even for those that hate winter, have to take notice and smile. It was one of those days I was inspired by the snow. The perfect white that covered all the dark and dreariness outside.  And it’s also just about the time of year that I haven’t shot any weddings in a few months and dearly miss photographing lovely people in love!

So a fun shoot was definitely in order and I knew that I couldn’t do it without collaborating with sweetie-pie Daisy of Pixel&Hank (remember some of our other fun shoots?).  And my dear friend Jamie and I have been talking for way too long about collaborating on something lovely together.  Jamie is the owner and talented videographer of Shutter Speed Productions and I just love her to pieces.  A few months back, the sweet couple featured here contacted me about the possibility of doing a ‘trash the dress’ session and I knew they would be perfect for this! I have known Jen since she was just a youngin’ and it still blows my mind she’s a married adult now.  She and Matt have big hearts and Matt loves this girl a lot.  For him to shiver through the session, rocking out a polka-dot bowtie in the middle of the woods…well, he didn’t do it for any other reason than for her alone ;).

A huge big thank you to the talented Stacy Jensen who came out to do hair and makeup (she rocks and it’s just not a collaboration without her) and to September’s Bride for the tux Matt wore.  And of course my parents who let a troop of girls take over their house and property.  Look for a little cameo from my little pup Tanner J. and my sweet little goats!   And make sure to click on the video link at the end of the blog post to see Jamie’s video of our shoot!

LOVE from Shutter Speed Productions on Vimeo.

For those in regions that got snow, please tell me you went out and enjoyed it. It was magical. Completely magical.

I have a lot of love for this sweet family! And knowing they were coming into the studio yesterday made for a great day.

I first photographed them when they first became a family of three.  And now, four years later they are a family of five! Addie, Evie and Isaac…three sweet little blondies. So cute! I loved watching Addie and Evie smooch on their new little brother.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Originally a June wedding was in the works for Keri+Bill.  But a little over a month ago, Keri called me up and said that plans had changed. All of their family was going to be in town for the holidays and no time like the present, right? So a small wedding was planned for the afternoon followed by a fancy session with me and then onto dinner at Mangiamo in downtown Grand Rapids.  The misting rain, while annoying that it wasn’t the gently-falling snow we were all hoping for, actually made the mood enchanting and romantic.

Keri and Bill worked together to make the absolutely charming details for their reception. Felt pom-poms, an owl cake topper, handmade ring pillow, and my favorite…the ’smitton in the mitton’ mitton-shaped favors.  Keri’s tea-length dress and shall along with Bill’s dapper grey suit was perfection.   It was an intimate affair filled with the people they loved and loved them.

Gail VanderLaan truly never disappoints in her amazing floral design.

First of all…HAPPY NEW YEAR dear readers!

So on Friday (AFTER I did my end of year wedding round up earlier this week…), I got to be a part of Keri+Bill’s wedding day and capture some lovely images for this sweet sweet couple. Look for a preview soon and marvel over their adorable DIY details.

This year took me the West Indies to a little island called Nevis, to sunny Mexico, Wisconsin, Detroit, Northern and Southern Michigan and of course my hometown of Grand Rapids.  To my sweet clients - thank you…each and every one, for allowing me to be a part of your wedding day. I am so grateful for you all!

Once again I had the fabulous opportunity to capture the Design 1 Fashion Show to benefit Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital this year.  The hair and makeup, as always, simply blew me away.  Photographing this looks is ridiculously fun…pink eyelashes, hair shaped into a sky-scraper? I died and went to fashion heaven.

A big round of applause to all those who made this event happen and done so fabulously.  The event was amazing and the biggest bonus was all that was raised for the DeVos Children’s Hospital!

The runway show was held at the JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids.  An amazing venue for this event.

Kicking off the holiday season in style, this adorable family opted to have their holiday session at the tree farm they chop down their Christmas tree at each year. Perfect? Oh yes!

Oh Owen…your cute little smile melts my heart!

Just in time for the holidays, Owen and his mom and dad along with his adorable cousins and his grandpa had a session highlighting just how amazing family is.  The pictures of the kids with their grandfather warmed my heart and Owen’s silly perfect smile made us all laugh. The wind was chilly but our hearts were warm.

Grandpa and Owen matched their argyle sweaters together…so adorable ;).

Oh Alaina…you never cease to make us all laugh.  I love your spunk!